Complections International Academy of Makeup Artistry

I’ve been asked by quite a few people about makeup schools, and the ones that I go into. I’ve touched upon this subject a little bit before. Let me say this again: I’ve been to 2 makeup schools – Paramita Academy of Makeup Inc. (2008) and Complections International Academy of Makeup Artistry (2009-2010).

Today, I’m going to share with you what I think about Complections and the interview that I’ve held with the school. Some of the questions here come from readers/friends who have asked me to ask the school.

Q: What makes Complections one of the best makeup school in North America?

A: Our faculty, definitely. They have to have a minimum of 10 years experience in the industry, and prove great success. In addition, the practical work and job opportunity that the school give to the students will help the students to move along in the industry. Small class sizes allow for feedback from the instructors. Not to mention, with small class sizes, you’ll be able to get to know the instructors and your classmates which could potentially lead to job opportunities. It’s all about networking. And, our school’s President’s commitment to evolve the curriculum continuously. Oh, and not forgetting the photos that you get at the end of every class by the school photographers, which will help with your portfolio.

Q: There seems to be this “passing marks” in the school, what is the importance of marks and attendance?

A: Marks and attendance are just like expectations from the industry. Here, in Complections, we are training students to be prepared for the professional world. The consequences of losing mark is similar to the consequences of, potentially, losing your job because you are late or unprepared.

Q: What are the different courses that the school offered?

A: There’s the 6 or 8-week fashion course. 8-week fashion course include 2-week of hair styling class. There’s also a 14-week special fx and creature design course, the 26-week course, and the 32-week.

Q: For the 14-week, do they have to be a makeup artist before enrolling to the course?

A: yes, for the 14-week spfx/creature design course, they have to a makeup artist for at least a year before they can be enrolled to the class.

Q: For international students, do you provide any help for their stay?

A: For international students, the registrar office will help them to find basic accommodation on a one-on-one with Christine.

Q: You mentioned about job opportunity, do all the students from different courses get the same job opportunity?

A: For job opportunity, as soon as the students finish their fashion course, the school will send out emails notifying about job opportunities that’s been sent to the school through out their stay in school.

Q: So, the students will still received job opportunities even after they graduate?

A: yes. After the students graduate, the 6- and 8-weekers will received notifications up to 3-month, 14-weekers up to 6-month, 26-weekers up to 10-month and the 32-weekers up to 12-month.

The school is located in downtown Toronto (bloor subway, yonge-charles intersection). Easily accessible through public transportation. I lived in Hamilton, so I’ve to take the go train every morning and afternoon. Yes, the commuting part was hard at first, but I’ve gotten used to it after the first 3 weeks.

I’ve taken the 26-week comprehensive makeup artist program, which includes hair, fashion, theatre, film&tv and prosthetics (basically everything but creature design). I’ve taken fashion makeup before at Paramita Academy of Makeup Inc., so I have a little bit more advantage than my classmates, but it doesn’t mean that I didn’t learn anything. I came to the school with a mind-set that I do not know anything, so that way, I was able to learn as much knowledge as possible.

I have to say that in each course that I’ve taken, I am very satisfied with what I’ve learnt and how I can apply it to the real world. Every single instructor is amazing, and by far, the best makeup artists in the industry. No kidding! They are still active in the industry, and they are willing to share what they’ve learn in the real world with us. They are by far, one of the most humble, nicest, and talented people I’ve ever known. Each one of them taught us, not only the skills in makeup, but also skills to survive in the business.

The non-teaching staffs are amaaazing. They are friendly, and always willing to be there for us. John in the school’s store is always there to talk to me about products (because I’m a makeup junkie!), Humera at the receptionist always there to say hi/bye whenever I passed by the front door, Joy (oooh, Joy!..lol..i love her!) is always there to listen to you whenever you have troubles or just to bring her cakes (lol). Odessa always send out job opportunities, always willing to give us advice about photoshoots etc (and I always love her wardrobe collections..lol). Christine! Christine is soo patient, and always willing to help students or potential students about anything! payment, visa, permit, accommodation.

The President, Pamela (or Pam), always come out to check each class, talk to the students during lunch time to see how we are doing. Full of smile and always so friendly and nice to everyone!

I love all my instructors: Paula (hair), Jackie (fashion), Kelly (theatre), Tony (prosthetic), and Candice (film&tv). The photographers that take crazy amazing pictures and help build my portfolio: Maxime Bocken and Maja Hajduk. Love my classmates and I’ve made really good friends with a few of them.

Let’s put it in perspectives: I went there for 6-months, every weekend I always get a photoshoot. I was able to work at the IMATS show. Before I even finished school, I was asked to do Ms. Universe Canada Toronto 2010 makeup because of the job notification and during X-mas break, I was able to work with a photographer and model and we were published in an online magazine (Kismet). A job given by the school allowed me to work with the photographer over and over again, and now she just recommended me to another photographer. Some of my classmates and other students from another class offered and took me out on jobs.

I finished school 2 weeks ago, this is my schedule this week: friday, saturday, sunday: photoshoots, my schedule next week: wednesday, friday, saturday: photoshoots, sunday: bridal trial. I’ve even collaborated with Sizzle/Koi (a club in Hamilton) to open a beauty bar on friday and saturday nights.

The school PREPARES you to get job and to do your job out there. But of course, there’s so much that they can do to help you get jobs. You have to be willing to do your parts too!

I totally recommend Complections to whoever you are out there who wants to become a great makeup artist. If you’re really sure this is what you want to do, go do it! Grab your dream!

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67 thoughts on “Complections International Academy of Makeup Artistry”

Thank you so much for this! I have recently decided to go to Complections after I graduate university, and I think my parents will be happy to see the amount of success I can have. 🙂 They’re nervous about me moving to Canada, (I’m from the US) but I’m sure it’ll be fine! I am sooo excited to start a career I’ve always wanted!

Hi there!
I came across your blog when I was looking for a make-up school. I’m planning to give makeup artistry a try and currently looking for a good school to go to in Toronto. Your summary of Complections really helps, but the fees are too expensive! 😦 So I’m wondering if you’ve heard from your friends, coworkers, industry people, etc., about any other schools that are also great and recommended (credible). Thanks!

There’s another school that I’ve mentioned in my previous post. I went to 2 makeup schools: Paramita Academy of Makeup Inc. and Complections. I started out in Paramita because, like you, I felt that Complections’ fees were very expensive. I enjoyed my time in Paramita and I still kept in touch with the owner of the school. I think Paramita will be a good place for you to start if you’re interested in makeup. The website is: http://www.paramita.ca

I guess everyone has different experiences. Unfortunately myself I was pretty disappointed with my studies at Complections. I have recently meet other makeup artists that went there and feel the same way as I do with their studies there so I know I am not alone.
I had fun with my fellow class mates and the environment was nice but I was disappointed more so with my Instructors. I felt like we didn’t spend enough time and barley touched on some things on our outline. The help at times was minimal. I felt limited in my learning.
The Kicker came when I graduated and showed my pictures that where taken in the school to build my portfolio to a professional and their comment to me was that the quality of my work was not strong enough and was very amateur “pretty much not acceptable!”
Also I was really disappointed when I was told by a friend of mine who works in Fashion and is a wardrobe stylist that her photographer friend who’s taken pictures at complexions for students portfolios in the past stated to her that they have never shot such ugly makeup before. That comment made me even more sad! That to mention MAD!
I felt like my time there was a waste of money, and it was alot of money to boot. If anyone is looking for a makeup school ask alot of questions and maybe see some of the students work that they are doing in class. You can sit in and be a model for a day. If you don’t like what you see around the room and how the instructors are interacting with the students RUN!!! As for Paramita there course makes no sense. It is way to short to learn enough. Save your money and go somewhere where alse.

Hey love, I’m sorry you have a bad experience at Complections. My instructors were amazing and I guess I was lucky enough to have Maxime to take 95% of the pics for my portfolio. I guess it really depends on your intake time, to see which instructors are there to teach. I was there really to polish my skill for special fx and prosthetics, and I am very much happy with the result. For fashion, it really is depend on how much time you practice and I guess I’m a makeup junkie! lol…

But, there’s obviously always 2 side to the coin..I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your time at Complections..:(

I’m from the states. I would love to go to Complections after graduation from college. I was reading into international students. It says that I wouldn’t be able to work while going to school. I would want to take the 32 week program and would most likely need a job to help pay for rent and expenses. What would I be able to do?

Also, with the school they say they spend 6 weeks on a certain course. Does that mean they only work on that one thing for 6 weeks? Or do they mix other things into it?

So, I’m not so sure about students from the States, they might have a different policy than other international students. You might want to call Christine and ask her about that.

For the 32 weeks course, you will spend 6 weeks in each department (i.e. fashion, special fx, film and tv, creature design). By the end of the week, you will have to write a final theory test and a practical test. By the end of the program, you will do a practical exam for each department. This way, you spend enough time to learn about each department in depth.

You will be able to work if you have the determination. It will be tiring, but it’s possible nevertheless. I used to work almost every other day and on the weekend (freelance makeup) and I was still able to go to school. It really is up to you. I know my friends who were working part time and studying in the school.

hey i was looking into this school for next year ( I am in a victory lap in high school at the moment) are you able to go here right after highschool or do you have to have certain qualifications?
it would be great if you can give me some advice
thanks 🙂

You are able to enter the school immediately after you graduate from High School. If you really want to become a makeup artist, it’s a great idea to go to the school. If you’re unsure as to what you want to do, you might want to consider the University option. It’s always helpful to have a university/college degree.

i am a grade 12 high school student, im very interested in makeup and i love the sound of this school. do i have to wait until i graduate to apply to the school? or can i apply now? is ti a difficult school to get into? and are there any recommended courses to take in high school??

Hi Tyler, there’s no other qualifications needed except for high school diploma. If you decided to go there, please let me know and also tell Christy that you knew the school through my website! Thanks!

I’m planning on attending Complections once I receive my high school diploma. I have a few questions, if you don’t mind.

– Do you receive a lot of homework? If so, how much time do you usually need to spend on it? (I’ll probably need to get a part-time job once I move there)
– What is included in the makeup kit provided for the 26 week course?
– How much money would I need to save for extra things that weren’t included in the tuition fee? (Such as they tell you to go out and buy something for the class tomorrow, etc… Sorry if that’s not how it works! Lol.)

Hi !! I am japanese girl and now I’m planing to enter complections. I want to learn special effects so I’ll take 32 weeks course. Your school review helps me a lot thank you.
If you don’t mind, I have a question about complections.

how many student are there in class?? you said class size is smal. I think it’s great but about how many??

I really want to learn special effects, prosthetic and creature design. Are there many good instrucor about these skills ?

I am japanese so I worry about my English ability. Are there many international students???

I think student kit is very expencive. What is include in kit??
Kit is worth to this price?

sorry I ask too much. I live in japan so it is BIG dicision to go to toronto and enter complections.
If you answer these question It helps me sooooo much!!!!

3. Dont worry! There’s a lot of Japane students who are a graduate from Complections. They improved their english quick because they have to speak english. And your english is really good! Dont worry about it. A lot of stuffs come from practice!

4. Yes the kit is expensive but it’s a good kit to start. You get to use products from the classes/teachers/scool for free sometimes. It’s a good basic kit to start your career with.

You mentioned that you went to Paramita academy? I was wondering if you think a week(the course is a week) is enough to prepare you as a makeup artist? Do you think it’s worth going there for a week vs attending a makeup college(exp. seneca/centennial) for 2-4 weeks? I want to know for a 1400 dollars am I going to really learn what there is to know to be a proficient makeup artist.

Yes, I did go to Paramita Academy. I do believe that a week is enough, however, you do need to go the extra mile in terms of networking within the industry than if you go to Complections. I’m not sure about Seneca/Centennial, but my best friend did go to Humber College to do makeup artistry, and she wasn’t happy with it. She went to Paramita afterwards with me and was very satisfied.

Just to get you started and if you’re not willing to pay a lot more money, then I’d suggest Paramita. I went there first because I want to get a taste of what’s Makeup all about and if I’m going to love being a makeup artist.

I went to Complections to learn more about Hairstyling, Film&tv, special fx, theatre and prosthetics. 🙂

Thank you for sharing your experience, I found it helpful. I am considering a Sept 2011 start at Complections – the 26 wk program. I’ll probably visit the school for a tour within the next couple weeks too. I’ve been doing make up since I was a little girl, although I do have a legal background, I’m now wanting to get back into my creative side!

I had a prior bad experience when I shelled out 14,000 to a private college for a legal course, and then was told that no employers had heard of the school OR would hire a graduate from that school because it wasn’t accredited. Would I encounter this problem??? I’m assuming the fashion, tv world has heard of Complections?! Plz advise, thank yoU!

I’m sorry to hear that you have had a bad experience before. I have never and doubt you’ll encounter the same problem with Complections. In the GTA, a lot of people in the industry has heard of Complections and most photographers have worked with Complections students and graduates before.

Of course, there’ll be a few who have bad experience with Complections students/graduates who did not do a good job, however, it is also about how you carry yourself! Be professional and there shouldn’t be a problem whatsoever. 🙂

thanks for your review… I am from Germany and was thinking about entering a make up artistry school in Canada. I visited a few schools in Germany already, but they all focus on the German market and after i haven’t really lived in Germany since 5 years, i want to be able to work international – therefor Canada would be a better choice.

Well, anyways… I also looked into Complections and 2 other school in Vancouver (Blanche Mac Donald and New Image College of Fine Art). I just can’t decide what school is the best for me… New Image has a program for international students where i could study a year and then work a year… but i didn’t see much students work and wasn’t really amazed by the few things i saw, which makes me worry if i really learn someting there… About Blanche i heard a lot bad things (too big classes, too expensive)… and Complections… since today, haven’t heard any reviews other than yours…

I am really interested on SFX and prosthetics, working in the film industry… do you think Complections is good in this section and would help me to really learn enough to find a job after??? I don’t really want to go back to Europe after i am done with the course, but i don’t know how big the chances are to stay after in finishing the course…

I saved a lot money, but still not enough, there is no student loan for international students and so i want to be 100 % sure that i choose the right school and get enough education for my money

Hi Jilly,
Thanks for the reply. I’m thinking of joining Complections, but I’m reconsidering it since we have to practice on one another. The problem is that I have a pretty bad skin and would rather not have my face as a ‘tester’. lol.. BTW, are the students required to go to classes bare face? or required to remove their makeup before the practice? Or are they allowed to wear light makeup like foundation or powder?
Thanks!

If you go to other school, you will still be required to practice on each other. This is quite basic for makeup school. Your face is not a “tester”. Your face is a canvas for others and yourself to practice. At Complections, though, the makeup that they used is by a brand called CoverFx which is a line made for sensitive skin, and a skincare line called Dermalogica. I have to be honest, after attending Complections my face didn’t get worse (surprisingly). You’re required to remove makeup before practice so that others have the same chance as you when practicing for foundation.

Thanks for this review. Wanted to ask if you know of any feedback/reviews on The School of Makeup Art, also in Toronto? Am I right to assume that Complections and SOMA are the top 2 schools for makeup artistry in Toronto? Thanks for your help!

I’m thinking of attending Complections next year, But i would be highly dependent on OSAP, does complections have any instalment plans? and usualy does OSAP Cover all the tuition plus kit, (im aware every situation is different) but im just wondering how most student pay for this school. Is OSAP one of the main options?

Hi
I am from Puerto Rico and currently studying in a university the thing is that I’m starting to think that it is not for me. I have always loved make-up but never looked at it as a career I should pursue but right now it is all I can think about. The research up until now has been a bit disappointing since I can’t find a school I truly feel that spark of going to study there. Canada for me is a bit overwhelming because I have never been there but if Complections is as good as it appears I surely wouldn’t mind.

Sorry for the late reply. I think you should still continue doing your program in University. I’m a firm believer that women should have as many skills and knowledge as possible, and having a degree would definitely help you to get a job. Moving to Canada for a makeup school is a lot of commitment, time and money. Again, from my experience Complections is a good school, however some people may not think the same as me. The instructors change quite often since they also work in the industry, so your experience might not be the same as mine or might be even better. If you’re still unsure due to the big commitment that you have to make, I’d suggest taking perhaps a basic course in Puerto Rico first and see if you like it.

Do your friends’ makeup and see how you feel about it. The makeup industry is a very demanding and at the same time competitive. Fashion makeup doesn’t really pay much, there’s a lot of volunteer works or free works that you have to do before you can make it big. It is a very competitive industry. On the other side, if you do get a job and start making great connections, you can land jobs easily. Film industry does pay a lot. My ex-classmate from Mexico is now doing a lot of Film makeup job in Mexico.

Depending on the class you’re enrolled in you received different products. For sure, u’ll receive basics – brushes,eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks, foundation of different shades…yes, you’ll probably have to get more sponges, brush cleaner or eyeshadow/other makeup productss of ur own preference

Amazing experience you got there!!! I was wondering, do u also have to be a makeup artist or have 1year experience before taking the 26week class like the 14wk classes?…I have basic knowledge about makeup n know how to apply to myself but not too confident in applying it on others so I was wondering if I can take the 26week courses?… Also do u have a posts on how your makeup kit from complections was like? I would love to see wat they include 😀

I am planing to join makeup artistry, as i want to make my career in MUA, I am so confused 😦
which college in Toronto is best for makeup artistry ?
Example….
– I found Sheridan and Geroge brown bit expensive, but if its worth joining i dont mind paying heavy fees (:
– I found Seneca/centennial (low fees but have no reviews. though i am keen joining Seneca)
– Also i found two more colleges:
Complection (which is highly expensive and its a private colleges)
Paramita (never heard about it and its private college too)
– i found Ryerson, but its not in detail, i want to learn each and every aspect of makeup from runway to fashion photography to theater to films-television & bridal too

I want to finish my MUA course ASAP
Please please guide me, I am so confused and i have a deadline for sept

I graduated highschool 1 year ago and have always loved doing makeup and really want to get into the industry. I would really love to get into photoshoot makeup and film. I have heard so many different opinions about what school to go to and I am so confused. Complections is the one school that really caught my eye and I have heard such great things about it but also some bad. I was also looking at Humber and Seneca’s makeup programs but I felt that it made more sense to go to a place like complections that specializes in makeup and has such a good reputation. I have been told that doing a 6 month course is pointless and will get me no where. I have been told to go to humber because its a 2 year program and I will learn more and its cheaper. I have also been told so many times to choose a different career because its almost impossible to succeed in makeup and you have to work for free for at least 5 years. I would love some feedback from people that have been in the business to help me figure out what school would make more sense! Thanks !

Can you please give me your input on the makeup schools in the GTA? I’ve been so stressed out trying to figure out which school would be a worthy investment.. I’m planning on doing more of a freelance makeup artist after I graduate/get a certificate, specifically bridal looks.. I’m stressed out because I want to have good knowledge and want every base covered, but I’m unsure if its necessary to spend a lot of money investing in a program for example George Brown’s program (Makeup Level 1) which would be about $2Gs for the course and another $2Gs for the actual kit. I’ve been debating over a program like this vs. the 1 week Paramita program which is less then half the cost and I would not have to buy the school kit.. I’ve heard good things about the George Brown kit but at the same time I’m so unsure about which route is the best for me to take.. I tried to google some reviews between the two but there weren’t many online (surprisingly!) and the only one I found on Paramita (from Yelp) was quite negative which makes me feel even more overwhelmed and confused because I’ve also read good things about it (ie. from yourself) etc. Can you please give me some advice? I would really appreciate it so much. Also.. just fyi, I’m interested in doing this on a part time basis as I have a full time job. If you have any other schools that you would recommend or other programs I would love to hear about them as well. I heard about Wink Makeup Acadamy before as well…but I dont believe they are in business any long. Thank you soooo much!

Can you please give me your input on the makeup schools in the GTA? I’ve been so stressed out trying to figure out which school would be a worthy investment.. I’m planning on doing more of a freelance makeup artist after I graduate/get a certificate, specifically bridal looks.. I’m stressed out because I want to have good knowledge and want every base covered, but I’m unsure if its necessary to spend a lot of money investing in a program for example George Brown’s program (Makeup Level 1) which would be about $2Gs for the course and another $2Gs for the actual kit. I’ve been debating over a program like this vs. the 1 week Paramita program which is less then half the cost and I would not have to buy the school kit.. I’ve heard good things about the George Brown kit but at the same time I’m so unsure about which route is the best for me to take.. I tried to google some reviews between the two but there weren’t many online (surprisingly!) and the only one I found on Paramita (from Yelp) was quite negative which makes me feel even more overwhelmed and confused because I’ve also read good things about it (ie. from yourself) etc. Can you please give me some advice? I would really appreciate it so much. Also.. just fyi, I’m interested in doing this on a part time basis as I have a full time job. If you have any other schools that you would recommend or other programs I would love to hear about them as well. I heard about Wink Makeup Acadamy before as well…but I dont believe they are in business any long. Thank you soooo much!

do you think this school is really worth all of the money? i’m really looking into the 3 month program and it’s around 12k so i want to make sure its legit, and i’ll be able to get jobs and such. also what makeup brands come in the kit? and are you allowed to buy your own things to add to the kit and such? thanks so much!

Jobs will be provides when you finished the fashion class and also a few weeks you graduated.

Makeup brands that came with my kit was marcelle for skin care (i think it’s dermalogica they using now), their own brand eyeshadows and brushes as well as lipsticks and blushes…coverfx foundation and complection’s brand liquid foundation…ben nye concealer wheel…

If you join special fx/prosthetics you’ll get illustrator fx and kryolan amongst other stuffs

You can ask them to send you the product list before enrolling to take a look at.

I am attending Complections in January and I am so so so excited! I have finally found my paradise! Ha!

I have a little bit of experience with theatre makeup (quite a few costume makeups), some travelling show type makeups and a ton of halloween makeup. However, my experience with beauty/fashion makeup is next to none! I am a little bit worried that I will fall behind majorly in the fashion/beauty makeup section of the 32 week program. I have been practicing and learning more about primers, shadows, foundations, brushes, etc but, I still can’t seem to get the hang of the actual applications. When you attended, were there students who weren’t experienced in the beauty part of it that still graduated with high marks? Do you have any tips, websites, suggestions (other than to just practice cause I am already doing that) for me?